Hall of Nations

Tuesday June 1st at 7:00 pm

The Sinking of the German Battleship Tirpitz

During the early phases of WWII, the English High Command turned its attention to the German Navy in the Atlantic. Incapacitating the battleship Tirpitz, became a goal of the highest urgency.

This modern battleship, the largest ever built in Europe, was the sister of Bismark sunk earlier by the British Navy. Tirpitz was moved from Germany to Norway in 1942. The sinking of the Tirpitz, was one of two most important overt actions by the Allies in Norway, the other was the destruction of the heavy water production facilities and supplies in 1943.

Churchill decided early in the war that Tirpitz posed a formidable threat to the shipping and naval operations of the Allies in the North Atlantic. He gave her sinking, or even her crippling the highest priority. After many attempts, Tirpitz was destroyed near Tromso, Norway, on November 12, 1944.

Three San Diego County residents who in various ways were directly connected to this historic event will talk about their personal experiences that day. In addition, the history of the Tirpitz and her operations along the Norwegian coast will be presented as an introduction. This will be a rare opportunity to learn about an important historic event from participants and eye-witnesses.

• Norman Magneson - The Life and Pursuit of KM Tirpitz

• Jeffrey Watson  -  Coup de Grace: Tirpitz

• Kurt Schultze  - German Air Response to the Attack: Too Late!

• Edvard Hemmingsen  - Witnessing the Attack from Ground Level!

Each presentation will last about 30 minutes. The lectures will be illustrated with numerous maps, diagrams and photographs.

This event is sponsored by House of England and House of Norway.